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or the mission of Mahinda to Ceylon, which was part and parcel 

 of a grand scheme for the propagation of Buddhism, resolved 

 upon at the third great Buddhist Council, held at Patilipura or 

 Patna, under the auspices of the king Asoka, and presided over by 

 Moggaliputtatissa in the year 309 b. c. This resolution of the 

 Council is thus stated in the Burmese Life of Gaudama Buddha, 

 pp. 387, 388. 



"At the conclusion of the council, the President, who was acknow- 

 ledged the head of the Buddhists, thought of extending throughout the 

 whole of Dzampoudipa the sway of the new religion, Hitherto, it had been 

 confined within the limits of Magatha. Now the time had come to make 

 it spread far and wide among the nations and tribes of the whole world. 

 To carry out such a bold and comprehensive plan, Mauggaliputta made 

 an appeal to the ablest and most zealous members of the council, and 

 charged a certain number of them, to go and preach the true law, into 

 the countries beyond the boundaries of Magatha. The venerable 

 Mitzaganti, Avith four companions, was directed to proceed to the country 

 of Kashmara-gandara. Rewati was ordered to go to Mahithakan-pantala. 

 Gaunaka-damma Reckita went to Aparanta. Maha-damma Reckita was 

 sent to the Mahratta country. Damma Reckita received mission to 

 proceed to Yaunaka, which is the country inhabited by the Pantsays. 

 The venerable Mitzi directed his steps, in company of several brethren, 

 towards some parts in the Himalayas. Thauna and Outtara proceeded 

 in a south-eastern direction, to the country of Souwani-boumi. Finally, 

 Mahinda, Ittia, Outtia, Thamala, and Baddathala went to establish 

 religion into the Island of Tappapani (Ceylon.)" 



Turning now to the Mahawanso, we find an account, in the 

 13th chapter, of Mahinda's arrival in Lanka, [b.c. 307] after receiv- 

 ing from "Magindo (Sakko the devo of devos)" the following 

 command : " Depart on thy mission for the conversion of Lanka : 

 it is the fulfilment of the prediction of the Supreme Buddha 

 (pronounced at the foot of the bo-tree). We also will there 

 render our assistance." The 14th • chapter describes the manner 



